How does Raynauds phenomenon develop?
In about half of all people with Raynaud’s, the condition is the result of an underlying autoimmune disease in which there is an abnormal immune response and antibodies are produced that attack healthy tissue in the body. Autoimmune diseases that are commonly associated with Raynaud’s are scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis or Buerger’s disease. There seems to be a genetic link as well. Certain drugs, such as beta-blockers, are known to produce the symptoms of Raynaud’s as a side effect. Sometimes episodes are triggered by smoking, because the nicotine in cigarettes constricts the arteries. Exposure to cold and handling frozen items can also trigger an attack. What are the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon? The symptoms of Raynaud’s can last for a few minutes to a few hours and affect the hands and the feet. They include numbness and tingling in the fingers or toes that may worsen and progress to a painful burning sensation. People who suffer from this disorder also experience a progressi
